As part of our commitment to urban sustainability, water conservation and biodiversity, the City of Englewood is actively integrating Front Range native vegetation into our municipal parks and public spaces.

Why Native Plants Matter

Native species evolved over thousands of years to thrive in Colorado’s high-plains semi-arid climate (averaging just 15–18 inches of precipitation per year). Replacing non-native turf grass with native perennials, shrubs, and grasses offers major community benefits:

• Water Conservation: Once established, native Colorado plants require up to 50–75% less water than traditional Kentucky bluegrass lawns.
• Pollinator Support: Native wildflowers provide essential nectar and pollen for local bees, butterflies and native birds.
• Climate Resilience: These species tolerate Colorado’s dramatic freeze-thaw cycles, summer heatwaves and clay soils without needing synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.

Native Plants in Parks

The Parks, Recreation, Library & Golf Department is converting selected non-active turf zones (areas not used for sports or play structures) into low-water, high-biodiversity habitats.

Current Native Areas:

• Depot Park
• Bates-Logan Park
• Barde Park

Furture Native Areas:

• Rotolo Park
• Northwest Greenbelt

Common Native Species in Englewood Parks

Blue Grama, Hairy Grama, Buffalograss, Blanketflower, Prairie Sunflower, Tansyleaf Tanyaster, Bergamot, Black-Eyed Susan, Western Yarrow, Plains Coreopsis, White Prairie Clover, Sidebells Penstemon, Rocky Mountain Beeplant, Upright Prairie Coneflower, Indian Ricegrass

Addressing Weeds

Unfortunately, in new native areas, some weeds are expected in these early seasons. The city's Parks Team has tackled many types of weeds with multiple rounds of control, such as hand pulling and spot treating, and the effort will continue throughout the rest of the growing season! More native seeding is coming this fall and spring to increase the colorful canopy of native plants.

Why does the city mow down flowers blooming in new Native Areas?

Mowing is part of the establishment process of native restoration. Mowing during the first three growing seasons is an accepted practice for the establishment period of native plantings. Although these flowers and grasses are aesthetically pleasing, they can become weedy and be detrimental to the overall health of the native area.

1. Mowing these dense stands of flowers increases the amount of light that reaches the ground and allows for other native seedlings to establish.

2. Annual weeds grow in these areas and are best managed by mowing.

3. Although it seems counterintuitive, the overall health of the native will increase, and biodiversity of the planting will improve as each season progresses.

4. More flowers and grasses will fill in over the next few years, allowing more blooms for the entire growing season.

5. Extreme care is taken with the timing of these mowing practices as to not disturb the life cycle of pollinators like bees and butterflies.